“Remembering Mel”

            Even though he trained with me longer than anyone else ever had, I would never introduce Mel as my student. I respected him as an elder and a mentor. Whether he was firing a high powered hand gun, playing classical guitar, or cutting with a samurai sword he embraced the essentials. Mel was proud of military traditions and would occasionally speak of the “O” course (obstacle training) in the Marine Corp Boot Camp. He enjoyed practicing the Japanese sword katas of the Toyama Ryu, a set of forms from the bayonet school at Camp Zama, Japan. He exercised a quiet assertion in all matters, and when problems sometimes became tough, Mel Benson would find solutions and “soldier on”. More than just a dealer in rare coins, he was a devout, seasoned collector of Asian artifacts and had an extensive background in rare oriental antiques.

Mel Benson was the patriarch of our Tozai Sword Club, housed in the Empire State Dojo for over 30 years. He took on the task of teaching and helping the new students in this archaic, lethal art steeped in mythology and tradition. He made 3^rd Dan in Iaido, one of the first to attain this level. Mel selflessly gave his time and knowledge to all the students that he helped, during his 70 years. Sensei Mel taught the basics with understanding and patience. Aside from doing Iai-do, he and I also practiced empty hand forms such as Karate, Wing Chun, Wu Tai Chi, and Hsing Yi which was developed by a Chinese general for the purpose of making his troops better soldiers. He spent countless days in the hospital during his last two years. When others had given up and accepted their demise, Mel stood strong practicing Chi Kung in his room with a quiet determination. He soldiered on in a valiant effort to overcome his adversary, meeting it head on, day after day.

Due to the nature of his business he had to carry a permit for a .45 automatic pistol. I remember him taking off the holstered weapon before we’d practice Wu Tai Chi…a perfect balance of war and peace.

Someday in the future we’ll catch up to our point man, until then we’ll be training hard and remembering Mel.

–Art McConnell

 –

Dear Fellow Martial Artists,

Thank you for viewing our new website. We will be adding even more pictures and videos soon. We will also be selling our new instructional Iaido Videos.

I have been teaching Martial Arts for 50 years and Iaido for 35 years and welcome your interests. We always welcome new students who are interested in learning THE WAY OF THE SWORD.

This is an interactive blog and look forward to your comments and questions.

Sincerly,
Sensei Art McConell

Chief Instructor: Art McConnell, 5th Dan

The Tozai Iaido School is run by Sensei Art McConnell.

Art McConnell has trained in the Martial Art of Japan and China since the early 1960’s.  He is the chief  instructor of the Tozai Iai Kai, graded 5th dan and licensed to teach by Master Yoshitheru Otani, founder of N.Y. Budokai.

Mister McConnell has written “The Ronin Soldiers Diary” and produced a period film called “Zen Gold” .  He has taught Japanese Sword and Jodo classes for many years at the Empire State Dojo in Smithtown, NY.  Teaching from Shohato’ to combined spirit forms drawn from five Ryu, for self practice and competition.

WHAT IS IAIDO?

Popularly known as “the art of drawing the sword”, Iaido is the contemporary legacy of the samurai of feudal Japan. A professional warrior class, both samurai men and women practiced warrior skills. Hayashizake Jinsuke Shigenobu is considered the legendary founder of Iaido as a concept and practice distinct from swordfighting in the 16th century, paralleling the development of a unified country. After Japan was finally unified under Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu early in the 17th century, the samurai combined their war skills with their interest in Zen philosophy and spiritual refinement. The combination gave samurai a venue for practicing their skills with a sense of Zen mindfulness.